Dallas, October 13, 2025
News Summary
Kenny Wayne Shepherd announces his Ledbetter Heights 30th Anniversary Tour, set to kick off in Dallas, Texas. The tour will feature performances of his debut album in its entirety and new recordings with vocalist Noah Hunt. Fans can expect a memorable experience showcasing Shepherd’s extensive discography across various U.S. venues, including the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. The tour promises to celebrate three decades of Shepherd’s impactful music career.
Dallas
Kenny Wayne Shepherd announces Ledbetter Heights 30th Anniversary Tour beginning Feb. 19, 2026
Kenny Wayne Shepherd is set to launch a Ledbetter Heights 30th Anniversary Tour starting on February 19, 2026, in Dallas, Texas, with performances of the album in its entirety and selections from across his catalog. The tour will present the debut album Ledbetter Heights played front to back and will include vocalist Noah Hunt, who will join Shepherd for the run. A new version of the album is being recorded with Noah Hunt on vocals, fulfilling fan requests for this collaboration. Initial dates run from February 19 to June 13, 2026, and the tour is expected to continue through the end of 2026 if initial performances go as planned.
What to expect at opening shows
The first show is scheduled in Dallas, with notable stops at prominent U.S. venues including the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville and the Majestic Theatre in Dallas. The performances will pair a complete presentation of Ledbetter Heights with selections drawn from Shepherd’s extensive discography. Vocalist Noah Hunt, who has not previously performed on the original Ledbetter Heights, will join Shepherd on this tour.
Album and career background
Kenny Wayne Shepherd released his debut album Ledbetter Heights when he was 18 years old, marking the start of his music career. The album was named after a Shreveport, Louisiana neighborhood linked to blues legend Huddie “Lead Belly” Ledbetter. Shepherd has been performing professionally since he was 13 years old and began recording music at 14. Ledbetter Heights went gold shortly after its release and was certified platinum by early 1996.
Shepherd’s early success set the stage for continued commercial and critical recognition. The single “Blue on Black” from his sophomore album Trouble Is… reached the top of the U.S. Mainstream Rock chart. Over the following decades Shepherd has garnered five Grammy nominations, multiple gold and platinum albums, and has toured with major artists like Bob Dylan and Aerosmith.
Recording and project details
A new version of the Ledbetter Heights album is being recorded with Noah Hunt on vocals, fulfilling fan requests for this collaboration. Shepherd describes the anniversary as a significant celebration of his music, acknowledging the fans and experiences over the past 30 years. Shepherd reflects on his career as a journey filled with gratitude, stating that he aims to create timeless music that resonates with fans.
Tour logistics and schedule
The full listing of tour dates spans from February 19 to June 13, 2026, covering multiple states and prominent music venues. The tour is expected to continue through the end of 2026 if initial performances go as planned. Shepherd will perform in notable venues across the U.S. including the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville and the Majestic Theatre in Dallas.
Context and influences
Shepherd’s musical upbringing included early exposure to records and radio through his family. He shares insights into his journey, including the influence of his father, a local disc jockey, who surrounded him with music from a young age. That environment contributed to Shepherd’s early start: Shepherd has been performing professionally since he was 13 years old and began recording music at 14.
FAQ
Q: When does the Ledbetter Heights 30th Anniversary Tour start?
A: Shepherd is set to launch a Ledbetter Heights 30th Anniversary Tour starting on February 19, 2026, in Dallas, Texas.
Q: What will be performed on the tour?
A: The tour will feature performances of the Ledbetter Heights album in its entirety, along with selections from his extensive discography.
Q: Who will be joining Kenny Wayne Shepherd on the tour?
A: Vocalist Noah Hunt, who has not previously performed on the original Ledbetter Heights, will join Shepherd on this tour.
Q: Is there a new recording connected to the anniversary?
A: A new version of the Ledbetter Heights album is being recorded with Noah Hunt on vocals, fulfilling fan requests for this collaboration.
Q: How long will the tour run?
A: The full listing of tour dates spans from February 19 to June 13, 2026, covering multiple states and prominent music venues.
Q: Will the tour extend beyond June 13, 2026?
A: The tour is expected to continue through the end of 2026 if initial performances go as planned.
Q: What is the historical significance of Ledbetter Heights?
A: The album was named after a Shreveport, Louisiana neighborhood linked to blues legend Huddie “Lead Belly” Ledbetter.
Q: How did Kenny Wayne Shepherd begin his career?
A: Kenny Wayne Shepherd released his debut album Ledbetter Heights when he was 18 years old, marking the start of his music career.
Q: What early milestones did Shepherd achieve?
A: Ledbetter Heights went gold shortly after its release and was certified platinum by early 1996.
Q: What notable single success has Shepherd had?
A: The single “Blue on Black” from his sophomore album Trouble Is… reached the top of the U.S. Mainstream Rock chart.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tour start | February 19, 2026 in Dallas, Texas |
| Tour span | Full listing of tour dates spans from February 19 to June 13, 2026 |
| Album | Ledbetter Heights (30th anniversary performance in its entirety) |
| New recording | A new version of the Ledbetter Heights album is being recorded with Noah Hunt on vocals |
| Joining vocalist | Noah Hunt, who has not previously performed on the original Ledbetter Heights |
| Notable venues | Ryman Auditorium in Nashville; Majestic Theatre in Dallas |
| Early milestones | Ledbetter Heights went gold shortly after its release and was certified platinum by early 1996 |
| Signature single | The single “Blue on Black” from his sophomore album Trouble Is… reached the top of the U.S. Mainstream Rock chart |
| Career start | Kenny Wayne Shepherd released his debut album Ledbetter Heights when he was 18 years old |
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Kenny Wayne Shepherd Announces 30th Anniversary Tour
Additional Resources
- Big Takeover
- Shreveport-Bossier Advocate
- Rock and Blues Muse
- Des Moines Register
- OKC Fox
- Wikipedia: Kenny Wayne Shepherd
- Google Search: Kenny Wayne Shepherd
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- Encyclopedia Britannica: Kenny Wayne Shepherd
- Google News: Kenny Wayne Shepherd
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